As the Baby Boomer generation has reached retirement age they have propelled many others to question their preparedness for their own retirements. No matter your age, the time is right to consider the Arizona Retirement Services available to secure your future. 

Consider these 10 helpful hints to bring financial security to your retirement:

1. Start now if you haven't already.  Even if you are already close to retiring, you can still set aside some funds for this next stage in your life.  If you think you are too young to begin, think again.  Life is fast-paced, and the more you wait, the more likely you are to further postpone its beginnings. 
2. Treat your retirement savings as if they are an expense.  If you wait to put aside whatever is left over every month, you are not likely to save anything. Instead, put it in a separate account, or better yet have your employer deduct the funds prior.  If you never receive the money in your hands, you will not feel as though you should be spending it on something that seems more pressing at the time. 
3. Take advantage of the tax-deferred accounts as much as possible.  Put as much into that account as you can afford, but keep in mind that early withdrawal, prior to 59.5 will result in large penalties, some as much as 10%.
4. Diversify your portfolio so it will maximize its growth for your age, risk tolerance, and whether you need your account to grow or produce income.  Special attention to these elements will help you control your future. 
5. Consider your retirement expenses when you plan your future's monetary needs.  Take both big expenditures (vacations, car purchases, etc.) along with your daily needs.
6. Plan and live within a budget so you are not nullifying your percentage gained through investment via overspending.   
7. Periodically reassess your portfolio's success.  Talk to experts to make certain that your returns on investment are holding steady or improving.  If not, change things around.
8. Reassess your current fiscal needs and reassess to make certain that your goals today are your realities tomorrow.  When will you pay off the mortgage?  Are you likely to acquire a car payment in the next years?   
9. Consider your spouse.  Do they have their own plan, or will they rely on yours?  The answer to this question will substantially impact the amount you must save. 
10. Work with a planner who is familiar with all of the new, constantly evolving retirement planning industry.  Your future is far too important to take a chance by throwing the cards into the wind.  

Retirement has a way of sneaking up on everyone.  It shouldn't be that way, however, as there is the financial retirement services that are at your disposal. With a planner's expertise and you dream of the future, you are certain to support a retirement plan that serve your needs in the future. 

Please contact someone at Omni Insurance Services.  We have the retirement knowledge you need with the unparalleled customer service you desire.  We look forward to guiding you to the secure retirement of your dreams.

Own a Pool? Get the Right Homeowners Insurance in Chandler AZ

July 22-29 was the Pool Safely campaign, promoted in part by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). According to the CPSC, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages five and under.  Young children in Chandler AZ can drown in only a few inches of water in less than thirty seconds. The Pool Safely campaign urges parents and pool owners to make sure that their pools are safe and that they have taken basic safety precautions.

Recommended pool safety measures include:

• Installing  a fence at least four feet tall with self closing gates around the pool.
• Installing lockable safety covers on spas. Keep all pools and spa covers in good working condition.
• Making sure that every pool and spa has VGB compliant drain covers.
• Using surface waves or underwater alarms.
• Installing alarms on doors and windows that lead to the pool area.
• Limiting alcohol use around the pool.
• Regularly checking the pool area for items like glass bottles, toys, or other items that could cause an accident.
• Keep equipment such as life rings, floats, or a reach pole quickly and easily accessible in case of an emergency.
• Learn how to perform both child and adult CPR.  Take refresher courses as necessary to keep those skills up to date.

Parents should also supervise children closely around pools. Teach young children to swim and enforce basic pool safety rules. Never leave a child alone in a pool or spa, even for only a few moments.  Don't leave flotation devices, balls, or other toys floating in the pool that could tempt young children to reach for them and possibly fall in. Keep a phone close by the pool and post emergency numbers nearby. If a child goes missing always remember to check the pool first--including looking on the bottom of the pool.

If you have a pool, make sure that your home insurance in Chandler AZ, provides adequate coverage.  The Insurance Information Institute says that homeowners who own pools may need between $300,000 and $500,000 in liability coverage.  Typical Chandler AZ homeowners policies only provide up to $100,000 in liability coverage.  Pool owners may also want to consider umbrella policies which provide up to $1 million of liability coverage for an additional $200-$300 annual premium.

Chandler, AZ homeowners may also need sufficient insurance to cover replacing the pool if it is damaged, especially if it is an expensive in-ground type pool. Pool furniture also needs to be included in insurance coverage. 

If you have a pool or are considering installing one, contact your insurance agent to discuss your coverage. Pools are considered an "attractive nuisance," and homeowners can be held liable if someone is injured in their pool, even if that person was there without the homeowner's permission. Taking appropriate safety precautions and making sure you have adequate Chandler, AZ insurance coverage can help you make sure that your pool is a fun way to stay cool this summer.

Your Disaster Resistant Home

Having fantastic home insurance in Chandler, AZ is a great step.  But one of the best ways we can financially protect ourselves is to prepare ourselves assuming the worst.  A little thinking and a few steps now can help prevent disaster to your greatest investment, your home.  Here are three ways you can prepare your home in the case of a disaster (both natural and otherwise).

A large concern in Arizona, with the high temperatures and the low humidity and dryness in the air is fires.  Wildfires occur often and home fires can quickly get out of control.  Simple approaches, like never leaving candles unattended and moving flammable items away from heat sources, like the stove, are obvious choices.  Not so obvious is to make sure you service and clean furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces regularly to clean out debris and prevent smaller house fires.

A good security system will not only protect you from burglary and break ins, but will also alert the police in the case of fire.  In addition, adding a good sprinkler system will not only reduce your home insurance costs, but also protect your home in case a fire breaks out.

Repair and replace outdated and unsafe electrical wires.  Modernizing your electrical systems is a great way to prevent fires from occurring behind the walls and out of sight.
Add storm shutters to your home, and reinforce your roofing system.  Storm shutters will protect your home in the case of serious rain, flying debris in the case of sandstorms and wind and water in the case of a monsoon.  While a strong roofing system protects your home not just from rain, but also hail and lightning strikes. 

Other roof enhancements include air terminals (also known as lightning rods) and down conductors.  Basically this system is designed to capture the lightning if it were to hit your roof, and guide it safely down a path of your home until it hits the ground, protecting your home from damage.  This will prevent exterior damage to the roof and siding, as well as interior damage to the electrical system.
Think like a burglar.  While burglary isn't a natural disaster, it is a scary experience.  To protect your home from break ins, you have to take the time to think like a criminal.  As mentioned above- a security system, equipped with the option to directly call law enforcement in the case of a break in, is a great defense.  However, there are several things you can do every day to make your home uninviting to a criminally minded person. 

First and foremost- use your locks.  Leaving windows unlocked, even if in your backyard, just in case you lock your key inside, is a sure fire way to allow a criminal to waltz right in.  Secondly, trim your hedges and bushes so criminals can't hide out.  And third, keep valuables out of sight.  If you have a garage, keep your car in your garage, and keep your garage door closed. 
Although these things take prior thought and in some cases, an investment of upfront cash- they will go a long way in protecting your home and making you feel safe and secure.

Make sure to talk to your Arizona Insurance Agent about what home insurance options you need.

Arizona Financial Planning-Guidance to the Retirement You Deserve

Retirement is supposed to be the time in your life when you have finally achieved the financial independence to do precisely what you want, when you want. More importantly, retirement is supposed to afford you the time to do live out your own dreams. Arizona financial planning services and expertise work diligently to help you obtain a relaxing, stress-free retirement. With thoughtful planning, retirement funds will work for you, not you for them.

Many advisors look to build expertise in retirement income to better serve their clients' needs. In their most recent quarterly survey, Russell Investments discovered that 98% of advisors are working committedly to hone their understanding of the retirement market. In their desire to find the best investment strategies for their clients, advisors are looking to "online materials and books (68%), industry peers (52%), fund companies (49%) and accredited courses (45%)." With such differentiated sources, advisors are certain to offer their customers a much diversified base of knowledge. Considering the individual needs of every retiree, this variety of information is crucial to matching the best retirement plan to each client.

Deciding upon the realistic amounts you will need for a comfortable retirement is another area of expertise of the financial advisor. 61% of advisors report that their clients incorrectly estimate the amount of funds they will need to carry them through retirement. Many retirees rely upon the media, family, or friends to gather data about retirement patterns, but often times these sources unknowingly and unintentionally mislead. The investment markets are so complex and ever-changing that the knowledge and training of an expert will provide you with a more accurate representation of the practices that will best serve your needs.

Along with your skilled advisor, The United States Department of Labor has created a helpful list of the top 10 ways to prepare for retirement.

1. Start saving, keep saving, and stick to your goals.

2. Know your retirement needs.

3. Contribute to your employer's retirement savings plan.

4. Learn about your employer's pension plan.

5. Consider basic investment principles.

6. Don't touch your retirement savings.

7. Ask your employer to start a plan.

8. Put money into an Individual Retirement Account.

9. Find out about your social security benefits.

10. Ask questions of your financial advisor.

The only one who can begin your retirement planning is you. Most American, in fact more than 50%, are woefully unprepared for the financial needs of retirement. It is startling, but in 2010 more than 30% of employees did not even participate in their companies' defined contribution plans, like a 401k or 403b. Since the average retirement spans 20 years, that is a lengthy amount of time to struggle with cash concerns. Sadly, many Americans don't realize that they saved insufficiently until they are in their retirement years. Then, it is too late to do anything, but reenter the work force. You certainly recognize that as a worst case scenario.

With a bit of forethought on your behalf, you can enact measures now to provide yourself with the retirement you deserve. Examine the United States Department of Labor's retirement tips and then contact a qualified and trustworthy financial advisor whose expertise will flawlessly guide you to the financial security you deserve. We at Country Financial are eager to help you plan your future financial goals today.

If you have questions about financial planning contact:

Country Financial - Mark Derrico Insurance
2470 W. Ray Rd Bldg G Ste 3

Chandler, AZ 85224

(480) 219-1828

http://www.markderricoinsurance.com